What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural, focused state of awareness that allows the mind to become more open to positive change. Despite common myths, hypnosis is not mind control, sleep, or unconsciousness. In fact, most people experience hypnosis naturally every day — while driving, daydreaming, or becoming absorbed in a book or movie. Hypnotherapy uses this state intentionally to help people work with habits, emotions, beliefs, and patterns stored in the subconscious mind. In hypnosis, the brainwave frequency shifts from the Beta wave (alert) to Alpha (light trance) to Theta (deeper trance) to Delta (deepest state). This shift can allow you to access different information (just like tuning to a different radio station allows us to hear the information broadcast at that frequency). It also allows to integrate new perspectives and understandings at a deeper level. This shift between frequencies is very natural as it is experienced daily when drifting to sleep.
How Hypnotherapy Works
The subconscious mind is where automatic behaviors and emotional responses live. Hypnotherapy works by gently guiding you into a relaxed, focused state where the subconscious becomes more receptive to new perspectives and healthier patterns. While in hypnosis, you remain aware and in control; you can hear everything being said; you can stop at any time; and your values and boundaries are always respected. This state allows suggestions, imagery, and insight to be integrated more easily than through conscious effort alone.
What Hypnosis Is NOT
One of the biggest barriers to hypnosis is misinformation. Hypnosis is not the state of being unconscious or asleep. It is not about giving up control. It is not about being made to do something against your will. While stage hypnosis is performed for entertainment purposes, hypnotherapy is focused entirely on therapeutic outcomes. Clinical hypnotherapy is a collaborative, therapeutic process designed for healing and personal growth.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
Everyone experiences hypnosis a little differently, but common sensations include
- Deepening peace and relaxation
- A sense of calm focus
- Feeling aware, but drifting away
- Daydreaming
- Little awareness of time
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
Hypnotherapy can be helpful with almost any mental, emotional, physical, or even spiritual issue. Here are just some of the common conditions for which hypnotherapy can be used:
- Anxiety and stress
- Smoking cessation
- Weight management
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Phobias and fears
- Loss of a loved one and fear of death
- Emotional healing
- Sleep issues
- Pain management
Is Hypnosis Safe?
Yes — when practiced by a trained professional, hypnotherapy is safe and gentle. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis, and you cannot lose control. Hypnosis is a cooperative process, not something done to you. When dealing with past trauma, hypnosis can allow to release pain without having to re-experience past events. Hypnosis cannot force you to tap into what you do not wish to revisit or become something you have no interest in becoming.
Hypnosis is a powerful yet natural tool for change, but it only works when clients are open, motivated, and ready for change. If you’ve ever struggled to change habits through willpower alone, hypnotherapy offers a compassionate and effective alternative. Curious if hypnotherapy is right for you? A consultation can help determine how hypnosis may support your goals.
By Natalie Candela, PhD
Certified Hypnotherapist and Transformation Coach
Awakened Hypnosis (https://awakenedhypnosis.com)
